Personal injury protection insurance is a type of coverage that's often required by law, but it's also a valuable benefit for drivers who want to protect themselves and their passengers from the financial burden of medical expenses after an accident.
In many states, personal injury protection insurance is a mandatory requirement for drivers, with varying minimum coverage limits. For example, in Florida, the minimum required coverage is $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident. This means that if you're involved in an accident and have to pay for medical expenses, your insurance will cover up to $10,000 per person.
Having personal injury protection insurance can also provide peace of mind, knowing that you're protected in case of an accident. It's like having a safety net that can help you cover unexpected medical bills.
What is Personal Injury Protection Insurance?
Personal injury protection insurance, or PIP, is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for you and your passengers after an accident.
PIP is required by law in states that use the no-fault system, such as Utah. In some states, PIP insurance is mandatory, while in others like New Mexico, it's an optional coverage that drivers can choose to add to their auto insurance policy.
It pays for medical bills and certain other expenses if you, other drivers on your car insurance policy, or your passengers are hurt in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The specific requirements, coverage limits, and benefits of PIP vary from state to state.
Unlike traditional liability insurance, which only covers damages and injuries you cause to others, PIP covers your own expenses. PIP is also commonly referred to as no-fault insurance.
New Jersey Requirements
In New Jersey, drivers are required to carry minimum amounts of automobile insurance. Each state has its own requirements, and failing to meet these minimums can result in penalties.
The required amounts of insurance in New Jersey are:
Personal injury protection is just one type of insurance required by law in New Jersey.
Liability in New Jersey
In New Jersey, liability insurance is a crucial aspect of car insurance policies. It pays other parties involved in an accident for damages caused by the at-fault party.
Liability insurance does not cover medical expenses, so if you're involved in an accident, you'll need to rely on another source for medical bill coverage. Personal injury protection, which we'll discuss later, is a separate policy that pays for medical bills.
Liability insurance is designed to protect your assets in case you're found liable for an accident. If you're involved in a serious accident, liability insurance can help you avoid financial ruin.
In New Jersey, liability insurance is a must-have for drivers. If you're caught driving without liability insurance, you could face serious penalties, including fines and even license suspension.
Required Amounts in New Jersey
In New Jersey, drivers are required to carry minimum amounts of automobile insurance. The state has specific requirements for the types and amounts of insurance that must be purchased.
You'll need to have at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability. This is a crucial aspect of insurance in New Jersey.
Property damage liability is also required, with a minimum of $5,000 per accident. This coverage is essential for protecting yourself and others in the event of an accident.
Personal injury protection (PIP) is another type of insurance required by law in New Jersey. This no-fault coverage can help you seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Here are the required amounts of insurance in New Jersey:
Filing a Claim
You have 14 days to seek medical treatment following an accident under PIP rules, so it's essential to act quickly.
To file a PIP claim, start by reporting the collision to your insurance company and confirming that your plan includes PIP coverage.
Get your claim number and the claim office's contact information from the insurance representative.
Contact the claims office and speak with the insurance adjuster for your case.
Request a PIP application, a salary verification form, and a physician's report from the adjustor.
Fill out your PIP application as soon as possible and return it to your adjustor.
Request that your physician fills out the Attending Physicians Report and your employer fills out the Salary Verification Form if you missed work due to your injury.
Provide your healthcare providers with your claim number, adjuster name, and claim office contact information, and authorize them to bill your PIP directly.
Remember, getting the insurance company to do the right thing requires quick action, and failure to act may cause you to forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Here's a step-by-step checklist to help you stay on track:
- Report the collision to your insurance company
- Confirm PIP coverage
- Get your claim number and contact information
- Contact the claims office
- Request PIP application, salary verification form, and physician's report
- Fill out your PIP application
- Return the Attending Physicians Report and Salary Verification Form
- Authorize healthcare providers to bill PIP
Coverage and Benefits
Personal injury protection insurance provides a range of benefits to help you recover from a car accident.
Most medical treatments associated with car crash injuries are covered through PIP, including medical services, pharmaceuticals, surgical services, rehabilitation costs, diagnostic test costs, and EMS care.
However, PIP has limits, covering only 80% of each medical bill, with the remaining 20% being your copay, and possibly a deductible. If you have health insurance, it can be used to offset your medical bills.
PIP will only cover up to $2,500 worth of benefits if a doctor does not recognize an Emergency Medical Condition.
Here are some specific expenses that PIP covers:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages if you're unable to work due to your injuries
- Rehabilitation costs
- Household services
- Funeral expenses in the event of a fatal car crash
In Florida, PIP will pay for 60% of your lost wages up to the total $10,000 limit, which may also extend to things you would normally be able to do but can no longer do because of your injuries, including some home care expenses.
What's the Difference?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a complex topic, and it's essential to understand the differences between various types of coverage. PIP coverage is required in some states, but not others, and it's often mandatory in no-fault states.
In no-fault states, PIP insurance is used to cover medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This means that you'll use your own insurance to cover your expenses until a certain threshold is met, and then you can sue the other driver for any additional expenses.
PIP typically covers a broader range of expenses, including lost wages and household services, while Medical Payments (MedPay) is primarily focused on medical expenses. PIP coverage limits are often higher than MedPay limits, providing more comprehensive protection.
Here's a breakdown of the differences between PIP and MedPay:
It's essential to understand what types of expenses PIP covers, which include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and funeral expenses. PIP may also cover household services, such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare, if you're unable to perform them due to your injuries.
In Florida, PIP will pay for 60% of your lost wages up to the total $10,000 limit. This coverage may also extend to things you would normally be able to do but can no longer do because of your injuries, including some home care expenses.
Death Benefits
Death Benefits are available to PIP policyholders who are killed in an accident. The policy will pay for funeral and burial expenses.
There is a limit of $5,000 for these costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth having PIP insurance?
Consider PIP insurance if you want extra protection for accident-related expenses not covered by your health insurance. Explore our auto editorial guidelines to learn more about why PIP coverage might be right for you.
How much PIP coverage should I have?
We recommend securing at least $10,000 of PIP coverage to ensure your medical bills and lost wages are covered with no questions asked. This amount provides a solid foundation for your auto policy's personal injury protection.
How does PIP work in Delaware?
In Delaware, PIP coverage provides no-fault benefits for lost wages and medical expenses, regardless of fault. Your own insurance company pays these benefits, even if you're partially or fully responsible for the accident.
What happens if I don't have PIP?
If you don't have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, you may be responsible for paying medical bills out of pocket after a crash. Without PIP, you may also face challenges in recovering compensation through lawsuits.
What does it mean that KY is a no-fault state?
In a no-fault state like Kentucky, drivers must file a claim with their insurance company first to receive compensation for accident-related expenses, regardless of who's at fault. This means you can get medical and financial help quickly, without needing to prove someone else was responsible.
Sources
- https://www.hassonlawoffices.com/what-is-personal-injury-protection-insurance/
- https://farahandfarah.com/faqs/what-is-pip-insurance-florida/
- https://mwg.aaa.com/insurance/car/articles/personal-injury-protection-pip-insurance
- https://www.kgglaw.com/personal-injury-resources/what-is-personal-injury-protection-pip-or-no-fault-insurance/
- https://www.hurtcallbert.com/blog/what-is-personal-injury-protection-pip-insurance/
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